Opus One 2005

It was unfortunate that I was disappointed when I tried Opus One.  It was just as AMAZING as I had imagined, but I couldn't justify paying $129 for 375ml (half- bottle). Respectfully, in my opinion, there are wines under $80 that are just as good and possibly better (listed below).  I know that I may be comparing "apples to oranges," but when you're on a budget...

Celani Family Tenacious Napa Valley 2006, 2007 - Cabernet Sauvignon $64
Shafer Relentless Napa Valley 2007 - Syrah $60
Orin Swift Papillon Napa Valley 2007 - $70 

Opus One is produced and bottled by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe De Rothschild, Oakville, California. It's a classic Bordeaux style blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec.  Wine Advocate 95 points.

$259  

Overall: 96 (Excellent - A Must Try!) 

Dogfish Head 120 minute IPA

If you ever visit Delaware there are two places you ought to explore: Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, MD.  Rehoboth Beach is just ridiculous, littered with "touristy" shops, fantastic restaurants, clothing stores, more shops and Dogfish Head Brewpub!  If you could care less about the hundreds of shops scattered throughout, then just go for the beer.  They have pages of brews on tap and the fried calamari is amazing - lightly battered and full of flavor, served with banana peppers. 

Before this trip, I have tried several Dogfish Head varieties and I love them all.  I would suggest that before you try the 120 minute IPA, that you try the 60 minute and 90 minute IPA first.  You're not going to like or remotely appreciate the 120 unless you enjoy the other ones too.  If you aren't a fan of IPA's there are other varieties that I'm sure you'll enjoy.  Try the Raison D'Etre, it's a belgian-style brown ale brewed with raisins - it's smooth, dark, rich, with a hint of sweetness.   

$11.99 (12 oz. bottle)

Overall: 96 Excellent (A Must Try!)

My Mom and I at Dogfish Head Brewpub, Rehoboth Beach, DE



Drinking 120 minute IPA



The Glenlivet 12 - Single Malt Scotch

In my opinion, it is important to find a store that has patient, knowledgable and friendly staff when you are learning to become enthusiasts in wine or bourbon or scotch.  Over the years, I wouldn't have stumbled upon so many amazing bottles of wine had it not been for Rishi, Swetang, and the owners of Morgan & York.  I also wouldn't have continued with my curiosity into bourbon and scotch territory had it not been for my friend Adam and the owners of Stadium Market.

A few months ago, we were over at my friend Tom's house.  He was showing a group of us his scotch collection, Oban and Laphroiag.  That "showing" sparked my curiosity even more.  I figured if I liked bourbon, I should like scotch too.  I stopped by Stadium Market and Vernon suggested that I try The Glenlivet 12 (Wine Enthusiast 90 points).  I bought a 50 ml bottle and I liked it so much that I have bought 2 more (50 ml) bottles.  Of course it's more cost-effective to purchase a fifth, but I'm holding out for Oban 14.  

The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, and The Macallan are all from the Speyside region. 

$37    

Overall: 92 (Very Good)

  

        

Ardbeg Uigeadail - Single Malt Scotch

The richness and complexity of Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced 'Oog-a-dal') is intense and I love it.  I am facinated with the perfect marriage of sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavors. It is from the Islay region which is known for heavier, more smoky scotch varieties.  There are eight distilleries and each have their own unique expressions.

Bowmore and Laphroaig (pronounced La-FROYG) are also from the Islay region.  For a beginner like me, I will try Laphroaig 10 next. 

I was lucky to find a 50 ml bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail. It's always a risk on trying new things especially higher quality wines, bourbons and scotches without "breaking the bank."  The greater challenge is hoping that the money you spent was worth it.  The six dollars I spent was worth it.  In fact, I will definitely invest in a 750 ml bottle next time. 

$79

Overall: 98 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

     
                     

Rich J.C. Korean Restaurant - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Rich J.C. is our favorite korean restaurant in town!  When we're craving home-made korean food this is the place we go and as "creatures of habit" we always order the same dishes.  We enjoy the dolsot (stone bowl) bi bim bop - it's white rice topped with bean sprouts, spinach, carrots, bulgogi beef, white radish served in a heated stone bowl.  The kimchi jjigae is kimchi stew comes with or without ramen, pork or tofu or chicken, kimchi and is also served in a heated stone bowl.

If you enjoy spicy foods, the dok boki (made with rice cakes) is a must try.  All in all, the food is great and for the price - it won't disappoint.  An added bonus - the owners are friendly and over the years have developed a frequency card for their customers.  If you're wondering what the J.C. stands for... you'll just have to stop by sometime to find out!

1313 South University Rd. A2, MI
734.769.2288
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 11-9pm
Closed Sunday

Quality of Food: 87
Quality of Service: 100
Value: 90
Atmosphere: 80
Overall: 89 (Very Good) 

Naeng Myun- Cold buckwheat noodles in beef broth! YUMMY!!! Great in the Summer.

Soon Tofu Jigae (tofu stew) fantastic!

Yook Gae Jang (my wife's favorite!)

Closed on Sundays

1313 South University Rd - A2, Michigan

Banchan(side dishes): Moo (korean radish) kimchee, soy bean sprouts, & pickled yellow radish 

Duk Boki (spicy korean rice cakes) 

Fried Rice Noodles with Seafood, super delicious!

Duk Mandoo Guk (Rice cake & dumpling soup), Duk Boki, Yook Gae Jang.  It is a tradition to eat Duk Mandoo Guk to celebrate the New Year.

Dolsot Bi Bim Bop with gochujang (korean red chili sauce)

Woodford Reserve Maple Wood Finish

My friend Adam and I have been buying each other "drinkable" Christmas gifts for several years.  We have been on a wine exploratory journey since we were roommates in Grand Rapids and that was many years ago.  Along with myself, he was also a "victim" to my Klinker Brick mishap as I have mentioned in an earlier post.

In Twenty Eleven, Adam ventured into bourbon territory via Blanton's and introduced me to it.  Over the year he had been enjoying Woodford Reserve, Makers 46, Blanton's and Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon.  I knew his "bourbon" palate needed a challenge so when I saw this (pictured below) at Stadium Market I knew it would be the perfect Christmas gift.

"Aged in toasted maple wood barrel - resulting in nuances of maple, honey, and cinnamon."

$98

Morgan & York - Ann Arbor, Michigan

To paraphrase Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz - "There is no place like Morgan & York."  I have been enjoying Bordeaux and Burgandy wines, "sliced-to-order" cured meats, amazing cheeses, "the best I've ever had" caramels and full sour pickles ever since I discovered M & Y.  This is one of my favorite places in Ann Arbor.  There's really no place like it.  Just show up and you'll also be impressed.     

Morgan & York is owned and operated by Matt Morgan and Tommy York.  Their staff is both friendly and knowledgable about all of their specialty foods and wines.  I guarantee for those who are enthusiasts of wine, beer, bourbon, scotch, cheeses, coffee, sweets and so forth - you will fully appreciate the quality and impressive selection of their products.  They also do event catering, help arrange private wine and cheese parties, and have wine tasting classes.  Don't wait too long...

1928 Packard Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
p.734.662.0798 f.734-769-9770
Morgan & York Facebook

Hours:
Mon-Sat: OPEN 7:30AM (for coffee), 9AM for everything else. CLOSE 9PM.
Sun: 10AM - 4PM.

Quality & Variety: 98
Quality of Service: 100
Value: 98
Atmosphere: 100
Overall: 99 (Excellent - A Must Try!)

The best caramels I've ever had.

Prosciutto di Parma

Note: pictures taken with permission from the owner.